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Office of Disabled Student Services

The Office of Disabled Student Services (ODS) at South Carolina State University offers a variety of services for students with documented disabilities including but not limited to students with learning disabilities, those who are deaf or hard of hearing, those who are visual or mobility impaired, and/or those who are diagnosed with a psychiatric or medical disorder(s).

South Carolina State University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). According to Section 504 and ADA, “a person with a disability is someone who has a disability that impairs a major life function, who has a history of having a disability, and or who is regarded as having a disability.”

Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Disabled Student Services is to provide and coordinate academic and other support services and programs that enable students with disabilities to maximize their educational potential, participate in and benefit from all aspects of University campus life, and increase the level of awareness of the University’s faculty and staff about disabled students needs. We also seek to foster a positive attitudinal and behavioral response from faculty and staff when interacting with persons with disabilities.

The Role of the Office of Disabled Student Services

  1. To inform prospective and new students about the availability of services and how to self-identify.
  2. To meet with students who self-identify as having a disability to develop an Individual Written Services Support Plan (IWSSP) if appropriate.
  3. To maintain confidential student files.
  4. To identify the physical or academic barriers for students with disabilities. Be an advocate for the removal of the barriers.
  5. To identify adaptive equipment, community resources, etc. for students with disabilities. Provide information on appropriate and reasonable accommodations, and refer students to appropriate resources.
  6. To serve as a liaison between students with disabilities and faculty/staff, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and other agencies.
  7. To provide activities or resource materials for South Carolina State University faculty and staff; promote awareness about students with disabilities.
  8. To serve as an advocate for students with disabilities.
  9. To participate in community disability related committees or events.